Public Health
May 8 – May 29, 2026 Updated May 29
Every published chapter of The Fold's coverage of Public Health, in one place — oldest to newest, updated as the story develops.
Hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius nears Tenerife as Spain readies response
The Dutch-operated MV Hondius is expected to dock in Tenerife on Saturday with 147 passengers and crew after a hantavirus outbreak killed three travellers and left one critically ill. Spanish authorities have arranged isolation facilities and dedicated transport to repatriate passengers from Britain, the United States and Spain.
Spanish nationals first to leave hantavirus-stricken Hondius in Tenerife
The Dutch-flagged expedition vessel docked at Granadilla on Sunday morning, with the first chartered flight to a Madrid military hospital carrying 13 Spanish passengers and one crew member. Three deaths and six confirmed infections have been recorded so far.
Phoenix bars needle exchange and syringe-delivered naloxone in city parks in 6-3 vote
The Phoenix City Council has approved, by a 6-3 vote, an ordinance prohibiting the exchange and distribution of needles in city parks, along with the distribution of naloxone when administered with a needle and syringe. The measure has split the council and drawn criticism from harm-reduction advocates.